On Tuesday, upon the expiration of the ‘Law for Yeshiva Students Deferring their Service’, commonly known as ‘The Tal Law’, Defense Minister Ehud Barak has instructed the IDF to implement the 1986 Military Service Law (Consolidated Version).

From the Defense Ministry:

Defense Minister Barak instructed the IDF to submit, within a month, a practical proposal to implement the aforesaid law for the young ultra-orthodox population, until the Knesset authorizes a new law to permanently settle the issue.

The Minister stressed the policy initiative that he has proposed whereby the IDF’s deliberations will take into account the Supreme Court ruling, the requirement and values of the IDF, and the principle of leveling the playing field/’sharing the burden’. The IDF will also examine, on a case-by-case basis, the suitability of individuals for military service, as is customary.

Minister Barak also highlighted his order to accelerate the recruitment of the ultra-orthodox, through expanding and increasing the designated tracks for this community. In the long run, this will contribute to the vocational training and important integration of the ultra-orthodox community into Israel’s labor market.

With this, the Minister instructed the army to ‘deepen the means of enforcement’ against those who shirk their responsibilities.

In parallel to this, the defense establishment will promote the reform of the payment scheme for soldiers of the IDF; with the emphasis on a scaled framework, whereby the highest level reaches the minimum wage.

Minister Barak noted: “It is of the utmost importance that those who serve and bear the burden of our security are rewarded appropriately.”

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)